SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is lacing up his running shoes again to raise money and awareness for Operation Welcome Home.
Jamie Summerlin, 41, a Marine Corps veteran, will run 101 miles from Shepherdstown, W.Va. to Annapolis, Md. in 24 hours to help kick off this week’s 2013 Military Bowl which will be a game between Marshall University and Maryland. Summerlin intentionally mapped out the route to go 101 miles.
“Because our soldiers always go the extra mile every single day. They always go above and beyond, so we added the extra mile in to show a little respect,” said Summerlin.
He’ll retrace his steps from the final day of his 100-day journey in which he ran across the country raising money and awareness for veterans.
Beginning the morning of Thursday, Dec. 26, Summerlin will step off from Two Rivers Treads in Shepherdstown, the store that donated his ten pair of shoes for the Freedom Run. Finishing 24 hours later, he will attend the Medal of Honor reception at the Governor’s Mansion, participate in the Military Bowl Parade in Annapolis and be recognized during Friday’s Military Bowl.
Summerlin’s goal is to raise $100,000 for Operation Welcome Home. The program provides a common meeting place at Mylan Park in Morgantown for Veterans to congregate, share what’s on their minds, form bonds and simply relax with other Veterans who understand their trials and triumphs. Ultimately, Operation Welcome Home will serve veterans with an individualized employment plan that will help in their transition to civilian life.
Marshall takes on the University of Maryland Dec. 27. Kickoff is set for 2:30.
For more on the run or to donate, visit www.freedomrunusa.org.